11. Noodle slurping
According to Japanese manners, it's completely acceptable to slurp noodle dishes such as ramen, udon and soba. People slurp loudly and so can you — enjoy!
12. Tattoos
Japanese society isn't fond of tattoos. Tattoos are heavily associated with criminality. You won't be allowed in many onsen or public swimming pools with a tattoo.
13. Crowded streets
Crowded streets such as Shibuya crossing can be a challenge when you're not accustomed to them. It's chaos at it's best.
14. Japanese ghosts
Japanese ghosts are really very scary.
15. Lack of sidewalks
Japanese cities such as Tokyo grew quickly. Urban planning was a secondary concern. Sidewalks are few and far between.
16. Masks
If you get a cold or flu it's considered rude not to wear a mask.
17. Shoes
You have to take your shoes off a great deal in Japan. If you're visiting temples in Kyoto you'll find yourself taking your shoes off and putting them back on all day. Hardcore salary men always buy shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
18. Squat toilets
Asian squat toilets are somewhat difficult to use when you're not accustomed to them. You'll use muscles you never knew you had.
19. Pachinko confusion
Japan has the largest legalized gambling industry in the world. Revenue from Japanese pachinko parlours are approximately 4 times the revenue of all the legal casinos in the World combined.
Pachinko parlours are unbelievably loud, smoky places. Pachinko the game is more like an ultra modern pinball game than a slot machine. It's a world few gaijin have ever adapted to.
20. Uniforms
It often feels as if everyone in Japan is wearing a uniform. Even salary men wear a uniform of sorts — black suits. For the tourist, it's possible to feel very left out.
